Storm Net Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/659,363, which was filed on Jun. 13, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of storm net devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in protection for homes during storms. Generally, strong winds crossing a pitched roof act like the wind over the wing of an airplane, creating a low pressure zone above the surface which can tear the roof off. Once the roof is gone, the perimeter walls lose most of their integrity and can collapse. Accordingly, when homes are destroyed by wind, personal property is scattered and rebuilding costs are expensive. Further, this can occur to several different structures such as homes, businesses, garages, gazebos, sheds, trailers, etc.

Accordingly, a net constructed in accordance with the invention can be easily placed over a structure to protect the roof of the structure from the effects of the wind. Further, it is often necessary for people to protect their buildings from wind in the case of their personal property and their finances. Insurance might not fully cover the repairs necessary to fix a structure damaged or destroyed due to wind. Accordingly, a net is required to protect the roof of the structure from being ripped from the building and thus causing the building to collapse.

Accordingly, there is a demand for a net that provides additional security to a roof structure and helps prevent full building destruction. More particularly, there is a demand for a net that contains gaps to fit over the roof vents and pipe jacks with a strong, durable perimeter hem.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides users with a net material placed over roof structures to prevent building damage or full collapse and destruction due to high winds. There is also a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that installs over the eaves and gables of different structures and is secured to ground anchors with ratchet-style straps to maximize security. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that allows users to deploy the net over their homes and other structures to secure property and prevent it from being completely devastated by high winds. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that improves security for any type of roof to greatly expand the roof's capacity to resist low pressure lift caused by high winds and avoiding building destruction. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides an attachment to the ground with a ratchet strapping to anchor corkscrews. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that can be used for any building shape or size.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a storm net device. The device is a net that provides additional security to a roof structure and helps prevent full building destruction. The storm net device comprises a net component that is rectangular with gaps in the grid to help fit the net component over the roof vents and pipe jacks. The net component contains a strong, durable perimeter hem with metal eye rings. Further, the net component may be laid across each end of a home or roof structure. Thus, the four corners of the net component are attached with a ratchet strapping to the anchor corkscrews in the ground at certain angles and are tightened to pull down the roof structure appropriately. The net component is engineered to withstand typical expected forces and prevent low pressure lift. Further, the net component provides for additional resistance to low pressure suction above the roof, keeping it intact.

In this manner, the storm net device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. The device is a net that is laid across each end of a home or roof structure.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a storm net device. The device is a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. The storm net device comprises a net component that contains gaps that fit over or can be cut to accommodate roof vents and pipe jacks. Further, the net component contains a strong, durable perimeter hem with eye rings. Thus, the net may be laid across each end of the home or roof structure and attached to the ground. Further, the netting is engineered to withstand typical expected wind forces and to prevent low pressure lift from occurring.

In one embodiment, the storm net device allows users to deploy the net over their homes and other buildings to secure property and keep it from being completely devastated by high winds. Further, the device reduces or eliminates the flutter of the roofing membrane and provides additional resistance to low pressure suction above the roof. Accordingly, users can attach the storm net device to the ground anchors with ratchet-style straps to maximize security.

In one embodiment, the storm net device comprises a net component. The net component generally measures 6 to 15 feet wide and 40 to 60 feet long but can be any measurement necessary to encompass the ends and pertinent sections of the roof structure of any building. The net component is comprised of a nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene material that is strong and durable to provide security to roof structures during high winds.

In one embodiment, the net component comprises gaps within the material that measure 4 to 12 inches in the grid or any suitable size to ensure that there is space for roof vents and pipe jacks, to reduce weight, and disrupt the laminar flow of wind across the roof surface.

In one embodiment, each of the four corners of the net component are attached to ratchet strapping which connect to anchor corkscrews that are embedded in the ground at certain specific angles. Once attached to the anchor corkscrews the ratchet strapping can be tightened to whichever tension is desirable to the user based on the structure of the roof.

In one embodiment, the net component is engineered to withstand typical wind force and to prevent low pressure lift from occurring on the roof. This device is designed to reduce or eliminate the flutter of the roofing membrane and provides resistance to low pressure suctioning from above the roof.

In one embodiment, the net component comprises a strong, durable perimeter hem which consists of multiple eye rings around the perimeter hem. This perimeter hem may be made of sturdy material to allow for a more durable and thicker material to be a part of the perimeter hem. The eye rings are metal and embedded into the perimeter hem.

In one embodiment, the net component is completely collapsible for storage. Specifically, the net component can be folded down, depending on the configuration at use. With the ratchet strappings taken off the net component and the anchor corkscrews out of the ground, folding of the net component is designed to be easy for use. The net component, ratchet strappings, and anchor corkscrews can be placed in a bag as well for easy storage. Further, a storage hook or loop secured to the net component can be utilized to hang the device to a hook or nail on a wall or other suitable area for storage.

In one embodiment, the storm net device can comprise a storage bag that is attached to the perimeter hem of the net component. The storage bag can contain the ratchet strappings and the anchor corkscrews for easy storage and accessibility. The bag should be large enough to contain the items but small enough to not be a hindrance to the device as a whole. The storage bag is embedded within the perimeter hem.

In yet another embodiment, the storm net device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of protecting a roof from high winds is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a storm net device comprising a net component with ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews. The method also comprises deploying the net component over the roof of the structure so that the net component encompasses the pertinent ends and/or sections of the roof. Further, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to eye rings on the perimeter hem of the net component. The method also comprises embedding the anchor corkscrews into the ground at certain angles to allow for maximum tension and security within the net component. Finally, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to the anchor corkscrews in the ground and tightening the ratchet strappings to the desired tension.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are not intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides users with a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. There is also a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that installs over the eaves and gables of different structures and is secured to ground anchors with ratchet-style straps to maximize security. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that allows users to deploy the net over their homes and other buildings to secure property and prevent it from being completely devastated by high winds. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that improves security for any type of roof to greatly expand the roof's capacity to resist low pressure lift caused by high winds and avoiding building destruction. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides an attachment to the ground with a ratchet strapping to anchor corkscrews. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that can be used for any building shape or size.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel storm net device. The storm net device comprises a net component that is configured exactly like a normal net with a grid-like pattern. The net component also comprises ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews to allow the net component to be secured and connected to the ground. The net component, ratchet strappings, and anchor corkscrews can be collapsed and compacted for storage. Further, the net component comprises a strong perimeter hem with embedded metal eye rings for attachment to the ratchet strappings. The present invention also includes a novel method of protecting a roof from high winds. The method includes the steps of providing a storm net device comprising a net component with ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews. The method also comprises deploying the net component over the roof of the structure so that the net component encompasses the ends of the roof. Further, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to eye rings on the perimeter hem of the net component. The method also comprises embedding the anchor corkscrews into the ground at certain angles to allow for maximum tension and security within the net component. Finally, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to the anchor corkscrews in the ground and tightening the ratchet strappings to the desired tension.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net deviceof the present invention. In the present embodiment, the storm net deviceis an improved storm net devicethat provides a net componentto be placed over a roofto prevent destruction of the roofduring high winds or storms. Specifically, the storm net devicecomprises a net component, ratchet strappings, and anchor corkscrews. Thus, the net componentcan be tightened to whatever desirable tension through a tightening of the ratchet strappings. Further, the net component, ratchet strappings, and anchor corkscrewscan be collapsed and compacted for storage.

Generally, the storm net deviceallows a roofto be protected from low pressure lift occurring between the roofand the storm air above it. Further, the net componentprovides a barrier to the roofto keep the rooffrom fluttering and collapsing. Accordingly, the net componentcan be tightened to whatever desirable tension to accommodate for the size and shape of each unique roof.

Further, the storm net devicecomprises a net componentwhich is shaped as a normal net. The net component comprises gapswithin the net componentwhich are evenly spaced and large enough to accommodate for roof ventsand pipe jackswithin the roof. The net componentis typically a rectangular shape to fit over the ends of the roof, but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art.

Additionally, the net componentcan be adjusted based on how much tension it provides to the roof. This tension can be adjusted with ratchet strappingsthat are attached to each of the four cornersof the net component. The ratchet strappingsare attached to the net componentthrough metal eye rings. The ratchet strappingsalso connect with the groundto hold the net componentin place. Anchor corkscrewsare embedded in the groundat various angles to accommodate for the maximum tension and security of each individual roof. The ratchet strappingsattach to the anchor corkscrewsto provide the necessary tension and security for the net component.

Generally, the net componentis comprised of a nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene material. The net componentcan measure approximately 6 to 15 feet wide and 40 to 60 feet long with gapsof approximately 4 to 12 inches, but can be any suitable size as is known in the art.

As is shown in, the net componentcomprises a perimeter hemwhich is comprised of sturdy materialas the net component. The materialfor the perimeter hemis layered, however, to cause more strength and durability around the perimeter hem. The perimeter hemencompasses the metal eye ringswithin its centerwhich allow for the ratchet strappingsto connect to the net component. Further, along the short endof the net component, there comprises a layeringof the original net material. This layeringis situated between the perimeter hemand the main net componentand provides for more security to the device. The layeringcan be any width as is known in the art and which is desirable to the specific roofthat is being protected.

As shown in, the layeringoverlays the main net componentsome and allows for a stronger and more durable material. Further, the net componentcan be collapsed down for easy storage of the device. Once folded in on itself, the net componentcan be easily stored. In one specific embodiment, the devicecomprises a storage bagwhich is embedded within the perimeter hemof the net component. The storage bagis large enough to fit the ratchet strappingsand the anchor corkscrewswithin it. The storage bagis designed to hang down from the bottomof the perimeter hemand still allows for the deviceto be easily folded in on itself. In one embodiment, the perimeter hemcomprises a looped strapwhich can allow the deviceto be hung on a hookwhen folded.

As shown in, the net componentcan be tightened to any particular tension to provide the most security for the roof. This tightening is done by adjustment of the ratchet strappingswhich connect the net componentand the ground. The ratchet strappingscan be tightened or loosened by threading the ratchet strappingsthrough the mandrelof the ratchetand then cranking the ratchetto tighten it. Once the ratchet strappingsare tightened, the different angles that the anchor corkscrewsare placed at, allow for the specific shape of the deviceto counteract low pressure lift and thus destruction of the roof.

As shown in, the storm net devicecan be suitable with any suitable size or shape of a roofas is known on the art.

In one embodiment, the storm net devicecomprises a plurality of indicia. The net componentof the devicemay include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the net component, or any other indiciaas is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indiciaas is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be net, storm, or brand related.

illustrates a flowchart of the method protecting a roof from high winds. The method includes the steps of at, providing a storm net device comprising a net component with ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews. In one embodiment, the ground anchors can be pre-staged and left in the ground so that rapid deployment of the net device can happen when storms are predicted. The method also comprises at, deploying the net component over the roof of the structure so that the net component encompasses the entire roof. Further, the method comprises at, securing the ratchet strappings to eye rings on the perimeter hem of the net component. The method also comprises at, embedding the anchor corkscrews into the ground at certain angles to allow for maximum tension and security within the net component. Finally, the method comprises at, securing the ratchet strappings to the anchor corkscrews in the ground and tightening the ratchet strappings to the desired tension.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “storm net device”, “storm device”, “net device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the storm net deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the storm net deviceof the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the storm net deviceas shown inis for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the storm net deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the storm net deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the storm net devicemay be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.